Drug containers are defined in USP 797 based on the type of the container and the environment in which the container is opened. Vials are further divided into 2 categories: single-dose or multiple-dose.

Oral chemotherapeutic agents have been available for many years, and were traditionally cytotoxic drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and mercaptopurine. In recent years, oral anticancer medications are being used more often in many types of cancer.

It is well-known that patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who receive induction and reinduction chemotherapy and any patients undergoing hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) are at high risk for infections and prolonged hospital stays. Intensive chemotherapy regimens used in these settings cause patients to be neutropenic for prolonged durations.

Pain is one of the most feared symptoms of cancer, with uncontrolled pain being the most frequently reported symptom in hospitalized patients with cancer. As cancer stage progresses, the pain intensity and incidence increase, with cancer pain reported in 62% to 86% of patients with advanced disease.

Treatment of Clostridium difficile infection presents a unique challenge in patients with cancer. C difficile infections are often related to the use of antibiotics and to hospitalizations, and patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment may be at a particularly high risk for infection.